In recent years we have seen an increasing number of policyholders use their personally owned vehicles in their profession; whether for an employer or as business owners themselves.   Some professions are eligible for coverage on the Personal Auto Policy, while some are not.  So, each request for the “business use rate” must be reviewed by Underwriting to determine eligibility.  Please keep in mind these general guidelines when quoting:

• Acceptable uses – lighter exposures such as realtor’s, outside salespeople and consultants
• Contractors who own their own business – generally, these vehicles will need to be written on a business auto policy when the individual is doing the work themselves.   Exception:  Owners of a contracting business who use the vehicle to oversee work sites (“clipboard” contractor), as long as there is no hauling of materials and or tools, or employees operating the vehicle.
• Vehicles titled to a business but used for personal use are not eligible unless legally leased back to individual

Also, remember the Business Use rate is only adjusting the premium for the additional exposure. It does not provide any additional coverage above and beyond the provisions in the base policy.